STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. on 
Our Work. 
We will now turn our attention more directly to the work before us. Our or- 
ganization as a society has been in successful operation for the past fourteen 
years, growing in strength from year to year, and is now in better working con- 
dition than ever before as the results of our influence and labors fully demon- 
strate. I need not tell you of the perseverance and self-sacrifice that we have 
endured in the promotion of horticulture. Some of the members have been 
willing at all times to put their hands down into the very bottom of their pock- 
ets to meet the expenses necessary in collecting, forwarding and placmg our 
fruits in competition with those of other states; and I am proud to say that 
some of the highest premiums have been awarded to our young and growing 
State. It has been necessary to our very existence that we should exercise the 
strictest economy; suffering no indebtedness (except tnat of gratitude) to rise 
above our heads. Our secretary and other officers have done a vast amount of 
work without any pecuniary compensation or expectation of reward. Is it ex- 
pected that we shall continue in this way? Is it just? Shall we be able to find 
another secretary that is willing to perform the duties as Prof. Lacy has done? 
Has not the time come when it will be proper for us, in view of the work we 
have done, to ask the legislature to grant us a liberal annual appropriation? 
The publication of our transactions was one step in the right direction. Let 
wisdom dictate the next. Once set aside the influence of horticulture, and what 
becomes of the attractions that twine around our homes and bind together the 
family tie, within the social circle, tnose homes of intelligence and worth, the 
pride and glory of our country? It is for the interest of the state to foster and 
make our work as effectual as possible. This cannot be done without an appro- 
priation. Other western states have already taken the initiative steps. The 
Wisconsin society recieves $600 annually, lowa $1,000, [linois $2,000, Michi- 
gan $2,200 and Kansas $2,500. I think it would be advisable fer this society 
to appoint a committee to confer with the legislature upon the subject. It may 
be said that our legislature has already done something to promote horticulture. 
True, they have devised a little scheme in an experimental way, a lottery, if you 
please, with a manager appointed at a salary of $1,000 a year, to direct the spir- 
its, to invoke the gods, to shower down the golden fruits into the lap of Pomo- 
na; but the whole thing is governed by chance in opposition to science, and 
without much regard to system or intelligence. Is not every nurseryman with- 
in the state pursuing an experimental work of the same kind with as satisfac- 
tory results? Then why not in justice allow each the same compensation to as- 
sist in carrying it on? Or, what would still be better, inorease the chances and 
place all upon one common level, giving the $1,000 to him who could produce a 
new apple of superior excellence and merit that would meet the approval of this 
society for general cultivation after five years trial in the different parts of the 
State. 
College Farm. 
The experimental farm at the agricultural college seems to be the best place 
to carry on an experimental orchard, but in looking it over I see no suitable 
ground, it being composed mostly of marsh or sand-banks unsuitable for even 
agricultural purposes. 
